Healthy diet and exercise are the focus of a Texas A&M International University summer camp for children and adolescents.

The TAMIU Summer Weight Control Camp II, offered by the College of Education July 11–Aug. 5, from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, is designed for nine to 16-year olds who want to enjoy physical activities while learning about the importance of a healthier diet and lifestyle.

Dr. Kyung Shin Park, TAMIU assistant professor of education, said the Camp is being offered as a result of a study he conducted on summer lifestyle intervention.

The study concluded that physical activity, nutritional education and a diet program can have positive effects on overweight Hispanic children.

The eight-week program improved body composition, level of physical fitness and blood lipid profiles in participants, Dr. Park said. He presented his findings at the prestigious American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting in Denver, Colorado in June.

“We are excited to offer this Camp, after another very successful first camp earlier this summer,” said Dr. Park, “Some of the physical activities campers will be participating in include aerobic exercise, strength exercises and recreational activities.”

Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence through this camp will also help improve academic performance as well as the quality of their lives in the future, said Park.

“A certified dietitian will analyze campers’ diet and provide them a diet program,” Park said, “We will also provide lectures regarding nutrition once a week.”

The cost of participation in the Summer Weight Control Camp is $250.

It is very important to control body fat and to have a healthy lifestyle in childhood because the number of body fat cells is determined at this age and remains constant thereafter, Park said, “Since the number of fat cells does not change, weight loss in adulthood will end up in a yo-yo syndrome,” he said.

Park added that parents who notice that their children are overweight should act now to correct the situation.

“If you worry about your child being overweight, it is better to do something about it when your child is young and still has many chances to reverse this,” Park said, “It is much easier and much cheaper.”

For more information about the camp, research participation option, and registration, visit tamiu.edu/coedu/fitnesscamp or contact Dr. Park at 326.2685 or 326.2695.